These Awards support research towards identification/validation of new targets, and the discovery of novel small molecule therapeutic/preventative agents.

Eligibility

Eligibility

​Applications are accepted from scientists, clinicians or health care workers in UK universities, medical schools, hospitals and some research institutions.

We are willing to support collaborative projects between an academic partner and a commercial partner if appropriate.

Applications are judged based on the potential value of research findings to develop a new preventative or therapeutic approach, with evidence of a project plan that charts a route to develop the findings, including specific achievable milestones and endpoints.

Please contact the Research Funding Manager in order to discuss your proposal and open an application through eGMS.

What is funded

What is funded

Research areas:

This award funds milestone driven projects at all stages of drug discovery from target identification/validation to early preclinical studies.

Award applications will also be considered in the following areas:

Associated assay/technology development

Drug repositioning studies

We would particularly welcome applications at the target identification and target validation stages.

For a detailed breakdown of costs which are permitted, please see Costs Guidance.

* If your proposed project timeline falls outside of this range or the sum you wish to apply for is significantly greater than £100,000 per annum, please contact the Research Funding Manager to discuss your proposal before starting an application.

Our translational research funding schemes award money raised through our charity fundraising, including by Stand Up To Cancer UK.

How to apply to this scheme

Overview of the application process

Applications for Drug Discovery Small Molecule Project Awards are considered twice a year and follow a two-stage process:

Outline: you must submit a short outline application, which will be reviewed by the Small Molecule Expert Review Panel (SMERP) prior to being invited to submit a full application.

Full application: if your outline application is successful you will be invited to submit a full application. All applicants will have an interview with the SMERP.

All applications must be made through our electronic Grants Management System (eGMS). Outline applications are open from the beggining of September. Please contact the team if you wish to submit an application.

At the full application stage we encourage applicants to contact one of the CRUK Drug Discovery Units, or another group with appropriate experience, for guidance in structuring the research proposal and associated project plans.

Timelines

Outline applications

Full applications

Interviews

Funding decisions

22 May 2018

21 August 2018

09/10 October 2018

November 2018

13 December 2018

14 March 2019

29/30 April 2019

June 2019

16 May 2019

15 August 2019

08/09 October 2019

November 2019

Before you begin your application

You must read the following documents before starting your application

Target validation and biomarker guidance notes: an overview of the criteria that are necessary in order to confidently validate a target as having a role in the progression of a cancer disease state. Please note that an application need not necessarily possess all of the criteria described in order to progress to a successful award – these are guidelines and are provided to serve as such.

Funding committee reviewing your application

Applications are assessed by the Small Molecule Expert Review Panel. Final funding decisions are made by the Drug Discovery Committee.

Edd James, an established immunologist, is using funding from our Small Molecule Project Award to take his first steps into drug discovery and translate his understanding of antigen processing in cancer into a therapeutic context.

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Cancer Research UK is a registered charity in England and Wales (1089464), Scotland (SC041666) and the Isle of Man (1103). A company limited by guarantee. Registered company in England and Wales (4325234) and the Isle of Man (5713F). Registered address: Angel Building, 407 St John Street, London EC1V 4AD.